Is It Necessary to Replace the Shock Absorbers If the Front Wheel Camber Angle Is Too Large?

[OJoanna]

Excessive front wheel camber angle does not necessarily require replacing the shock absorbers. If it affects the normal driving of the car, it is recommended to replace the shock absorbers; if the impact on the car is minimal, it is advisable to visit an auto repair shop or a 4S shop to adjust the wheel camber angle. The wheel camber can be adjusted by displacing the ball joint in the elongated hole of the lower suspension arm. In the suspension system, vibrations are generated when the elastic components are impacted. To improve the ride comfort of the car, shock absorbers are installed in parallel with the elastic components in the suspension. To attenuate vibrations, hydraulic shock absorbers are commonly used in automotive suspension systems. Their working principle is that when relative movement occurs between the frame (or body) and the axle due to vibration, the piston inside the shock absorber moves up and down, causing the oil in the shock absorber chamber to repeatedly flow from one chamber to another through different orifices.

[Arlene]

I've encountered many car owners asking about excessive front wheel camber issues, and not all situations require replacing the shock absorbers. Excessive camber means the tires tilt inward or outward, commonly caused by aging shock absorbers, sagging springs, or deformed suspension links. If it's just a shock absorber problem, replacing it can help, but if other components like the ball joint or control arm are damaged, changing the shock absorber won't solve the issue. I recommend going to a professional shop for a comprehensive inspection, including a four-wheel alignment test, to identify the root cause before deciding whether to replace parts. While driving, pay attention to whether tire wear is even. If you notice severe wear on the inner or outer edges, stop and get it checked immediately. Otherwise, prolonged driving can not only ruin the tires but also cause steering instability, increasing the risk of accidents. Be cautious with car maintenance and avoid blindly replacing parts and wasting money.

[MacJune]

My car had a similar issue last month. There was no dashboard warning, but I felt unstable wheels when turning. I took it to the repair shop for inspection, and the mechanic measured the camber angle, saying it was too large. I thought I had to replace the shock absorbers, but after troubleshooting, it turned out that a tie rod joint on the front wheel was loose—tightening it fixed the problem, saving me hundreds of dollars. Camber issues are often caused by suspension components, with shock absorbers being just one part; worn springs or ball joints are also common culprits. I suggest car owners not rush to replace shock absorbers—first check for abnormal tire wear, like one side wearing out quickly or cracking, as that’s a clear signal. Drive gently in daily use, slow down over potholes, as this can delay suspension aging. Adding an alignment check during regular maintenance is much more cost-effective than fixing problems after they arise.

[Bryce]

Excessive front wheel camber is a safety hazard, don't delay. Having driven for decades, I know this worsens handling and can cause loss of control or even rollovers during emergency maneuvers. The cause isn't just shock absorbers - suspension components like springs or links could be at fault. Must replace shocks? Not necessarily! First get a professional diagnosis at a repair shop using alignment equipment to identify the root cause. Practice good driving habits: avoid high-speed impacts with potholes to prevent component deformation. If you notice uneven tire wear, stop driving immediately - safety first. If addressed promptly, simple alignment adjustments or minor part replacements may suffice, saving both money and hassle.